QUESTION: I started riding a year ago and finally got the confidence and fitness to show up for competitive 50-mile group rides on weekends. I can stay with the lead group until the last 10 miles. Then I get dropped, and it isn't even hilly. My legs feel spent. One of the other riders told me I spend too much time with my "nose in the wind." What does that mean? -- Mack … [Read more...] about How Can I Save Energy in Group Riding?
1Training & Health
Let the Idea Behind Japanese Walking Enliven Your Bicycling
By Kevin Kolodziejski “A fish is not a monkey.” While you may be surprised to see those six words at the start of a Road Bike Rider article, an even bigger shocker to me is how frequently we fail to integrate the essential idea behind them into our rides. For any gaga grammarian who considers The Chicago Manual of Style an absolute page-turner, an equally … [Read more...] about Let the Idea Behind Japanese Walking Enliven Your Bicycling
How Can I Cure My Terror of Descending?
QUESTION: Am I really the only rider out here with enough self-preservation instinct to be afraid of going fast downhill? I'm a (shudder) descentophobic! Can you help? -- Alice C. RBR REPLIES: Don't feel bad. Lots of cyclists feel apprehensive on fast descents. It's not paranoia because bad things really can happen if you fall off while going fast. … [Read more...] about How Can I Cure My Terror of Descending?
Active Recovery vs. Passive Recovery
By Rick Schultz When it comes to recovery after cycling, both active and inactive (passive) recovery have their place, and the "better" option often depends on the intensity and type of the previous ride, as well as a rider's current physical state. Active Recovery Active recovery involves engaging in low-intensity exercise after a strenuous workout. For cyclists, this … [Read more...] about Active Recovery vs. Passive Recovery
How to Deal With Numb or Tingly Fingers Cycling
By Coach Fred Matheny Cycling can make your hands buzz like a beehive or, worse, put your fingers to sleep. Hand discomfort is usually caused by improper bike fit. But poor riding technique also plays a role. Gripping the bar in one position for long periods is a sure way to make hands and fingers feel like an electrical current is running through them. … [Read more...] about How to Deal With Numb or Tingly Fingers Cycling